CONVICTED robber Akeem Edwards on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to killing fellow inmate, Teon Smith, during an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison in 2014.

Edwards was arraigned before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Essequibo, and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 14, 2014, he murdered Smith.

State Counsel Tiffini Lyken is presenting the case for the prosecution, and over 12 witnesses are expected to testify during the duration of the trial, which is currently ongoing before a 12-member jury.

During the period in question, Smith was serving a five-year prison sentence for robbery under arms, while Edwards was serving four years for the same offence.  It is alleged that on September 14, 2014, the men were involved in an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison. Edwards reportedly armed himself with a sharp object and fatally stabbed Smith.